FAKE DAP-UREA PACKAGING RACKET BUSTED

FAKE DAP-UREA PACKAGING RACKET BUSTED

15-SEP-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA--------------------------The exposure of a major alleged counterfeit fertilizer racket in the district has caused a stir within the Agriculture Department and the administrative machinery. Acting on information regarding the packaging of counterfeit DAP fertilizer and plans to distribute it in the market, the administration conducted a major raid on a warehouse near Kukuradh village on the Bhabua-Sonhan road. Thousands of bags of suspicious DAP fertilizer were recovered from the warehouse during the operation.

It is reported that the warehouse was being operated by Alok Srivastava, a resident of Bhagwanpur and the proprietor of the 'Jai Maa Ambe' fertilizer shop, who also serves as the Bhagwanpur block correspondent for the *Dainik Bhaskar* newspaper. However, the extent of his involvement and the actual status of the seized fertilizer will only be confirmed once the investigation is complete.

Reports indicate that fertilizer was being packaged illegally at the warehouse and preparations were underway to dispatch it to the market when the administration received a tip-off regarding the entire operation.

The information was conveyed to Bhabua SDO Amit Kumar. Treating the matter with seriousness, the SDO immediately directed the concerned officials to take action. Subsequently, a raid was conducted at a warehouse near Kukuradh village by a police force led by the District Agriculture Officer, Block Development Officer, and Block Agriculture Officer.

During the raid, a large stock of fertilizer was discovered in the warehouse. Preliminary reports indicate that thousands of bags of DAP fertilizer were seized. The Agriculture Department and the administrative team are currently examining the quality, packaging, source, and legality of the seized fertilizer, as well as the relevant documentation.

Officials are also investigating whether the fertilizer stored in the warehouse was procured from an authorized source or if there was an intent to mislead farmers through deceptive packaging and branding.

Preliminary investigations suggest there were plans to package the allegedly suspicious DAP and distribute it to farmers through local fertilizer shops. Information has also surfaced regarding plans to load the fertilizer onto trucks for transport outside the district.

If the investigation reveals that the seized fertilizer is counterfeit or fails to meet prescribed standards, the matter could constitute serious fraud against farmers and a violation of agricultural regulations. The use of counterfeit or substandard fertilizer poses a risk to crop quality and yield.

Following the raid, the administration has intensified its investigation. The team is working to identify who was operating the warehouse, the source of the fertilizer, the location and method of packaging, and the intended shops and traders for market distribution.

Additionally, the administration is investigating whether any of the suspicious fertilizer had already reached the market. If such distribution is confirmed, the relevant shops and the supply chain may also be investigated.

Bhabhua SDO Amit Kumar stated that the entire matter is under investigation. Authorities are currently investigating to identify the individuals involved in this trade. Once the investigation concludes, action will be taken against those found guilty, in accordance with the rules.

Kaimur is an agriculture-dominated district, and a large number of farmers here rely on various fertilizers, including DAP. Consequently, the exposure of this alleged trade in spurious fertilizer is a matter of serious concern for the farming community.

Farmers are now questioning whether any of the suspect fertilizer has already reached the market. Only the Agriculture Department's investigation will clarify the actual quality and source of the seized fertilizer.

For now, the investigation by the administration and the Agriculture Department is ongoing. The full picture will emerge only after the seized fertilizer samples are tested and the relevant documents are verified. The subsequent action has caused panic among those linked to the alleged spurious fertilizer trade.